Jim Schembri has realised that to to err is human and damned irritating; that Jim Carrey is not funny; that revenge is a meal best served with steamed fish and a chilled white; and has also resolved to stop kicking ticket machines.

This is just part of his comprehensive list but what are your New Year resolutions. What will, or won't, you commit to after January 1, 2009?
Have your say here...

Immigration Minister Chris Evans has previously resisted pressure to open the centre despite a steadily increasing number of arrivals, saying the 800-bed facility had been "inherited" from the Howard Government and was not suitable for children and families.

What does this say about the Government's battle against people smugglers? Does the move validate the Howard Government's original decision to build the detention centre on Christmas Island?

Is this a logical consequence of the financial meltdown? Should skilled migration be reduced as the economy slows and unemployment creeps higher? Or is there a better way to channel skilled migrants to industries with critical shortages?

At a ceremony presenting him with an honorary doctorate, Justice Kirby said the theme of his address was unexpected. "But that's a good thing. In life, never be predictable. It's so uncool."

Is Justice Kirby onto something? Should busy lawyers and stressed business executives, engage in more community work, which Justice Kirby claims strengthens the type A personalities. Should graduates speak up for the powerless; can human rights laws put a brake on the supremacy of the rich and powerful?

Treasury estimates the first two years of trading will raise $23.5 billion as 1000 or so firms have to buy emission permits. The figure is far lower than earlier forecast, partly because 25 per cent of permits will be given away, rising to 45 per cent by 2020.

Certainly, there have been some dramatic changes to the economic and employment landscape over the past twelve months. What are your thoughts and advice for any student contemplating the next big step?

Modelling by RMIT's Housing and Urban Research Institute suggests that about 4 per cent of Australia's 8.5 million households could next year see the value of their property fall below what they owe on it.

Are you affected by the downward spiral in prices? What does the current crisis say about Australia's attitudes to home ownership?

"If people want to send their kids to a school that is a social, single-gender and/or religious ghetto in an attempt for them to meet the "right" people, keep away from the "wrong" people, live out the dreams of their parents or continue some unbroken line of inherited bigotry, they should pay for it themselves."

Does Deveny have a point? Does funding private schools encourage and finance "intolerance, inequity and social apartheid"?

There were no surprises in today's $38 billion announcement, but it was revealed that the rail centrepiece would be built in two stages. The first stage will run from Footscray to the Domain in St Kilda Road, while the second will extend the rail link to Caulfield.

Is the State Government headed in the right direction? Will its transport plan alleviate the stress on the system?

Private schools are having to match salary increases won by public school teachers. Trinity Grammar School deputy headmaster Rohan Brown, whose school will increase prep and year 12 fees by 11 per cent, said private schools were battling red tape and government regulation.

Australian Education Union state president Mary Bluett said fee increases highlighted the inequity of the Federal Government's private school funding model.

"The previous government's justification for funding was to keep fees low so that your average Australian could access private school," Ms Bluett said.

Are the increases justified? Should Senate be reviewing the level of private school funding?

Six years after setting a "clear boundary" for the city in the Melbourne 2030 policy, the Government has succumbed to a booming population, a housing shortage and resistance to high-density development in established suburbs.

Does the announcement represent a failure on the part of the Government? Or is it simply being pragmatic, given the circumstances? What are the alternatives?

Many trains are facing an overload each morning. At Clifton Hill, the 8.13am and 8.20am services averaged more than 1000 passengers. Any more than 798 passengers in a six-carriage train is considered "a load breach" by the Government.

What do you think? Is the Government doing enough to resolve some of these issues for frustrated passengers?

His strong vote was reminiscent of the performance of outgoing Lord Mayor John So at the 2004 election and will give him a mandate to pursue his contentious policy of returning cars to Swanston Street.

Mr Doyle easily outpolled his nearest rivals but had to rely on preferences to be calculated late last night to be crowned mayor.

What do you think of Doyle? is the right man for the job? Does he have the vision required to succeed in the post?